WASHINGTON — Sen. Marco Rubio, the fresh face from Florida chosen by Republicans to respond to the State of the Union address, sounded familiar party themes Tuesday, accusing President Barack Obama of stifling economic growth through an overreliance on taxes and spending.

The opportunity "to make it to the middle class or beyond, no matter where you start out in life, it isn't bestowed on us from Washington," Rubio said in his nationally broadcast remarks, but comes from "a vibrant economy."

That is something presidents in both parties, from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, have recognized, Rubio said.

"But President Obama? He believes it's the cause of our problems," Rubio said.

Speaking from the Capitol, Rubio repeated GOP calls for a constitutional balanced-budget amendment and an overhaul of the Medicare and Social Security programs, though he provided no specifics.

"Anyone who is in favor of leaving Medicare exactly the way it is right now is in favor of bankrupting it," Rubio said.

The roughly 15-minute speech provided a national platform for the freshman senator, 41, whose youth, Latino heritage and swing-state pedigree make him a leading presidential prospect for the embattled GOP.

While embracing what has been party orthodoxy for the past generation, Rubio did offer a few departures. He delivered his speech in both English and Spanish, the latter pre-recorded for broadcast. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, also emphasized his working-class background.

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Rubio said he lives in the same west Miami neighborhood where he grew up, surrounded by immigrants, retirees who count on Social Security and Medicare, and people who get up early and "go to work to pay the bills."

"My neighbors aren't millionaires," and said his opposition to Obama's agenda stems not from a desire "to protect the rich," he said. "I oppose (his) plans because I want to protect my neighbors."

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, another tea party favorite, delivered its formal response to the president. Speaking at Washington's National Press Club, Paul took aim at both major parties.

"Both parties have been guilty of spending too much, of protecting their sacred cows, of backroom deals in which everyone up here wins, but every taxpayer loses," Paul said.

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